The Hornbeam Community Centre CIC

About The Hornbeam Community Centre CIC

The Hornbeam Community Centre CIC runs Gleaners Cafe Thursday to Saturday, a pay-what-you-can vegan spot that's become a genuine neighbourhood hub in Walthamstow. The model offers a sliding scale for meals, with regulars and first-timers welcomed equally. Families find highchairs, buggy access, and outdoor space, while the daily-changing menu pulls from rescued local produce — recent visits turned up vegan shepherd's pie, proper curries, dahl, and a chocolate cake that regulars return for. One visitor praised "a brunch, full plate packed with goodies, health and yummy food," and the lemon cake gets frequent mentions alongside builder's tea, kombucha, and freshly squeezed juice. Saturday mornings bring a fruit and veg stall. It's a cooperative, community-minded space where paying customers sit alongside those who need warmth and company, and the whole thing feels like an antidote to corporate cafe culture.

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